Machine for making box blanks



May 10, 1938. K. SIEG MACHINE FOR MAKING BOX BLANKS Filed Sept. 10, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet l R 9 MW V N M ATTORNEYS May 10, 1938. K. SIEG 2,117,220

MACHINE FOR MAKING BOX BLANKS Filed Sept. 10, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 10, 1938. K. @2916 MACHINE FOR MAKING BOX BLANEL 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 10, 1956 1.3 an 152k? May 10, 1938. K. SIEG 2,117,220

MACHINE FOR MAKING BOX BLANKS Filed Sept. 10, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS May 10, 1938. K, $|EG 2,117,220

MACHINE FOR MAKING BOX BLANKS Filed Sept. 10, 195E? Sheets-Sheet 5 g XNVENTOR [fa/'1 flaky ::t:;:::l BY

www ,23%

ATTO RNEYS Patented May 10, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Karl Sieg, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor to Samuel M. Langston 00.. a corporation of New Jersey Application September 10, 1936, Serial No. 100,094

21 Claims.

The present invention relates to that type of mechanism for making box blanks, in which there is employed a series of scoring units for scoring an advancing sheet to define a series of fold lines, and a second series of slotting units for slotting said sheet inwardly from opposite edges at the ends of the score lines to separate adjacent sections adapted to be folded inwardly to form the end or closure flaps of a box.

10 In certain types of box blanks, the slots are formed with rectangular inner ends and extend in exact center line registry with their related score lines. When such a blank is folded into a box, the edges of the outside flaps are substan- 5 tially flush with or project slightly beyond the outer surfaces of adjacent walls of the box. (See Fig. 6 of Langston et al. Patent No. 1,859,877.) During shipment or handling of the filled boxes, these edges of the flaps are often caught and pulled loose. If the slots with rectangular inner ends are offset from their corresponding score lines, the side edges of the outside flaps may be spaced inwardly from the adjacent side wall of the box, when folded, and therefore small openings may be formed at the corners of the box.

As one feature of my invention, I provide mechanism whereby the slots may be formed with the inner end very narrow and at least a part of one side edge inclined so that the side edges of the closure flaps will be spaced inwardly from the adjacent side Walls of the box, and the corners of the box will be effectively closed.

As a further feature, the same mechanism is so designed that the box manufacturer may, by simple adjustment, make box blanks having slots which. are either rectangular or tapered at their inner ends.

As one feature of the present invention, there is provided a rotary slotting mechanism which may be employed to form slots of either shape referred to.

As another feature, there is provided a rotary mechanism which may be employed to trim one side of the blank along a straight line and make slots with parallel sides, or to form two of the closure flaps so that the outer end portions will be narrower than the base end portions.

As another feature, there are provided two coacting series of rotary slotting and trimming ,0 heads carrying respectively shearing members having the desired oblique cutting outlines to form the slots or blank edges with oblique bases.

In order to vary the length of the slots in one edge of the blank in respect to those in the op- 55 posite edge, so that the slots in opposite edges may be of equal length, the two series of slotting heads must be circumferentially adjusted with respect to the drive or feed mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means for adjusting the two cooperating slotting or trimming heads circumferentially in opposite directions, in unison and in respect to the drive, either while the machine is running or at rest, and without affecting the circumferential registrable relationship of the die members 0 thereon.

A further object is to provide scoring mechanism which will be automatically adjusted axially upon axial adjustment of the slotting heads, and will act to form the score line in the proper 15 position regardless of the particular shape of slot which is being out.

Other objects, advantages and novel features will be pointed out hereinafter or will be apparent from a study of the specific form of apparatus shown in the drawings which show for the purpose of illustration, 8. form of machine embodying the present invention. In these drawings:-

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a fragment of a box blank having a slot with a rectangular inner end,

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a fragment of a box blank having a slot with an oblique base and having an end flap trimmed in a corresponding manner,

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing coacting rotary slotting and slitting heads in position to effect straight line slotting and trimming to form the blank of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to that of Fig. 3, but showing coacting slotting and slitting heads in position to form the blanks of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical section of the parts shown in Figs. 3 and 4 and also showing the scoring mechanism,

Fig. '6 is a section taken on the line 6-6 of Fig.

Figs. '7 and 8 are sectional details taken on the lines 1-1 and 88 respectively of Fig. 4,

Fig. 9 is a section taken on the line 9.-9 of Fig. 3,

Fig. 10 is a development of the circumference of the lower slotting head.

Fig. 11 is an end view of a portion of the machine, showing the means for circumferentially adjusting the slotting heads and for taking up the lost motion between the drive and said slotting heads,

Fig. 12 is a section taken on the line |2-|2 of Fig. 11, and

Figs. 13 and 14 are sectional details taken on the lines |3 |3 and |4|4' respectively of Fig. 12.

The machine illustrated is adapted to form a box blank with a series of score lines l6 along which the body of the blank may be folded to form the four sides ofth'e box, and 9. corresponding series of rectangular slots of the type shown in Fig. 1 for forming the end flaps of the box. The machine may also formJa box blank with slots l2 disposed in offset relationship with respect to their associated score lines It), and having a portion of one side i4 extending obliquely to meet the ends of said score lines, as shown in Fig. 2.

v The unslotted and unscored blanks are stacked and successively fed by a feed mechanism which may be of any suitable construction, and they may be fed successively through a pair of printing units if desired.

The scoring mechanism, in the specific form shown, includes a series of individual rotary units |5 each splined to a shaft |6 and coactin'g with a second rotary member on a shaft I! to form the score lines In on an advancing blank. The axial spacing of the scorers along these shafts maybe set in accordance with the desired size and proportions of the box to be formed. The details of these scoring units l5 will be more fully set forth hereinafter.

The slotting mechanism, if used to form three slots in a blank for a rectangular carton, includes three pairs of slotting heads axially spaced for forming the three pairs of slots. As all three are alike only one pair is illustrated. The upper slotting heads 20 are splined to a shaft 2| and coact respectively with three lower slotting heads 22 splined to a shaft 23 parallel to the shaft 2|. Each upper slotting head 26 comprises a series of circumferentially spaced hub sections 24, one of which has a keyway engaging a key extending lengthwise 'of the shaft 2|, and is provided with a flange portion 25 provided on one side thereof with a circumferential T-shaped face groove-26, the enlarged portion of which is adapted to receivethe heads of clamping bolts 21. The other side of the flange 25 is provided with one or more openings 21a (Fig. 5) communicating withthe. groove 26 to permit the clamping bolts to be inserted therethrough into the T-shaped groove 26.

The upper slotting head 20 is adapted to interchangeably support two punching or shearing male dies 28 (Fig. 3) for cutting the rectangular slots H, or two punching or shearing male dies 29 (Figs. 4 and 5) for cutting the non-rectangular slots l2. The lengths of these punching dies 28 and 29 are at least equalto the length of the desired slots and they are circumferentially adjustable so that the distance between the two alined slots will equal the height of the desired carton. In order to support the male die 28 or 29 against radial inward movement, the upper slotting head 20 is provided on the groove side of the flange 25 with a radially outwardly facing circumferential seating shoulder 3|.

The punching die 28 (Fig. 3) includes a segmental blade section 32 for making the side cuts of the slot II, and a separable end section 33 or 34 for making the rectangular end cuts of the slots ll. The end section 33 is provided with a prong for making the end cuts of the. forward slots at the endof a side cutting stroke, and the end section may be beveled to avoid havthe slot as it clears the sheet at the beginning of a side cutting stroke. The segmental blades 32, with their associated end section 33 or 34, are seated on the shoulder 3|, extend radially outwardly beyond the periphery of the flange 26. and are detachably held in position by the clamping bolts 21.

For cutting the non-rectangular slots l2, each male die 29 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 includes a blade section 35 for making the parallel side cuts of said slots, and a separable end section 31 shaped to make the slanted end cuts of these slots. These die sections 35 and 31 are interchangeable with the die sections 32, 33 and 34 in the recess 30, and are similarly clamped in position by the bolts 21, with their cutting edges extending radially outwardly beyond the periphery of the flange 25.

The lower slotting head 22 carries a pair of annular blades 39 and 46 axially spaced to-form a circumferential cutting groove 4|. This groove 4| has a width corresponding to the width of the slot II of Fig.- 1 to be formed in the blank, and serves as a female die or counter for the punching dies 26.

The lower slotting head 22 is also provided with a pair of female dies 42 axially spaced from the groove 4|, and adapted to receive and cooperate with the male dies 29 to form the non-rectangular slots i2 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

In order to provide for the mounting of the cutting blades 39 and 46 and the female dies 42, the lower slotting head 22 comprises a main hub section 44 splined on keys in the shaft 23 and having a radially outwardly extending flange 46 at one end thereof presenting a cylindrical peripheral seating surface 41 (Fig. 6). A flange member 56 is secured to the inner side of the flange 46 by a series of machine screws F". The blades 39 and 49' are seated on the cyr irical surface 41 of the flange 46, are spaced apart by a spacer ring 64, and are connected to the flange member 50 by means of a series of machine screws 65. The flange 56 has a radially outwardly extending portion 51 spaced from the inner blade 49 to form a circumferential groove 69 which is adapted to receive a plate 59' forming part of an interlocking device 60 between the scoring unit l5 and the lower slotting head 22, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The hub section 44 of the lower slotting head 22 is provided'with a radially outwardly facing cylindrical seat 63 extending from an axially facing shoulder 64 and forming therewith a recess or rabbet for adjustably receiving the female dies 42. Each die 42 includes a segmental bracket 65 seated on the surface 63 and-abutting the shoulder 64. The bracket 65 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes 66 in registry with a T-shaped circumferential groove 61 formed between the hub section 44 and the flange 6|) and adapted to receive clamping bolts 69. These bolts 68 have their heads extending into the enlarged portion of the groove 61 and may be moved circumferentially therein in any desired adjusted position.

Supported from each bracket 65 is a segmental member 19 axially spaced therefrom by means of end pieces 1|. Extending along the inner side of the bracket 65 in an arcuate recess or rabbet formed therein is a shearing blade 12 detachably secured to said bracket by machine screws 13. Similarly, a shearing blade I4 extends in an arcuate recess in the inner face of the meming the corners of the blade tear the back of ber 10, and is connected thereto by means of mathe rectangular slots II shown in Fig. 1, the male dies 28 are secured on the upper slotting heads 28 in the desired circumferential position, and the upper and lower slotting heads are moved relatively axially to bring these dies 28 into the plane of operation of the cutting grooves 4| (Fig. 3). The outer peripheries of the female dies 42 do not extend beyond the peripheries of the grooves 4I so that it is not necessary to remove these dies 42 when making rectangular slots II.

When it is desired to make the non-rectangular slots I2, the male dies 28 are replaced by the male dies 28 in the desired circumferential position, and the upper and lower slotting heads are moved relatively axially to bring these heads into the cooperative relationship shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

In order to remove the waste tabs from the groove 4I during theoperations of making the rectangular slots II, each slotting unit has asso-- ciated therewith a U-shaped band 18a anchored near the ends to an axially movable block 11a and extending circumferentially into the. upper side of the groove M. This band 18a being stationary during slotting operations, the waste tabs in the groove H are carried by the sides of said groove along the band, and then out of the groove.

No waste ejector is necessary for the female dies 42 since the radially inner sides of these dies are open to permit tlfe waste tabs to fall out 'therethrough.

The scoring units I5 are constructed so that they may cooperate either with the slotting groove H or the female dies 42. For that purpose, each scoring unit comprises i a rotary member I! splined to the shaft IG- for axial movement therealong, and having a pair of V-edge scoring blades I8 and I8, the scoring edge of the blade I8 being disposed in alin'ement with either the center line or one side of the groove 4| while the scoring edge of the blade I8 is in alinement with one side of the recess of the die 42. Cooperating with one of these scoring blades is a platen roller 8| splined to the shaft II and having a hardened plain cylindrical face. This roller 8| may be axially moved to cooperate either with the scoring blade I8 or the scoring blade I8, depending on the slotting operation to be effected.

The rotary member 11 is interlocked with the lower slotting head 22 for axial movement therewith by means of the interlocking device 88, so

that the scoring blades I8 and I8 will maintain a fixed relationship with their corresponding die recesses-on said slotting head. This interlocking device in the form shown includes a block 83 having a pair of plates 84 secured to the sides a suitable turning tool. By rotating the shaft 81 the scoring units with their associated lower slotting heads may be moved axially in selective positions along their respective shafts in accordancewiththe desired shape of the blank. This mechanism for moving the scoring member 11 (an the slotting head 22 is shown somewhat diagrammatic for the purpose of illustration, but in actual'practice, the shaft 81 will be below the lower end of the-slotting head or will slant downwardy towards the left (Fig. 5) outwardly beyond the line of tangency of theperiphery of said slotting head, so that said shaft will be readily accessible for turning from the left-hand side of the lower slotting head 22.

At one end of the series of slotting heads, thereis provided a rotary trimming mechanism which may be used for trimming the entire end of the blank along a straight line, or which may be easily and readily converted to trim the end flaps on one side of the blank with beveled cut-outs or recesses 88 (Fig. 2) to correspond with the opposite sides of said flaps. For that purpose there is provided an upper trimming head 88 splined to the upper shaft 2I for axial movement therealong, and provided on the inner side thereof with a circumferential T-shaped face groove 84 (Fig. 7) for receiving suitable clamping bolts 88. This trimming head 88 is provided on this side thereof with a recess or rabbet 88 presenting a radially outwardly facing cylindrical seat 81,.

When it is desired to trim the entire end of the blank along a straight line, there is mounted in the recess 88 a circular shearing knife 88 (Fig. 3) secured to the trimming head 88 by means of the clamping bolts 88 and extending radially outwardly beyond' the periphery of said head.

when it is desired to trim the outer edges of the end flaps with beveled cut-outs 88, the circular knife 88 is replaced by a pair of arcuate shearing blades 88 (Figs. 4 and 7) and a pair of cutting end pieces I88 shaped in accordance with the desired oblique end cuts to be made. These are held in position by clamping bolts 88 and extend beyond the periphery of the trimming head 88.

Cooperating with the upper trimming head 88 is a lower trimming head I M splined to the lower shaft 28 for axial movement therealong, and having a radially outwardly extending flange I82 provided on opposite sides with recesses or rabbets I84 and I85.(Figs.'4 and 8).

.When it is desired to trim the entire side of the blank along a straight line, there is disposed in the recess I84 a circular slitting blade I88 (Fig. 3) extending radially outwardly beyond the periphery of the flange I82 and detachably secured thereto by means of machine screws I8'I. Thisblade I 86 cooperates with the blade 88 to trim the blank to the desired width.

For making the beveled cut-outs 88 at the outer sides of the flaps, there is provided a pair .of arcuate brackets or blade holders III'Ia (Figs. 4 and 8) disposed in the recess I and adiustably held in position by means of bolts I88 extending from a circumferential T-shaped groove I88 on the outer side of the flange I82. These holders I81 have secured thereto blades H8 and end pieces I I I shaped to cooperate with the blades 88 and the end pieces I88 respectively.

The lower trimming head I 8| is movable axially along the shaft 28 to bring the lower knife I88 into cooperative position with the upper knife 88 as shown in Fig. 3, for straight line trimming, or to bring the blades II8 into cooperative relationship with the arcuate blades 88 as shown in Fig. 4 when making the beveled cutouts 90. To effect the desired axial movement of the lower trimming head IOI there is provided an interlocking mechanism 60a similar to the interlocking mechanism 60 and similarly provided with a plate 59a extending into a peripheral groove I03 formed in the fiange I02 of the lower trimming head IOI. This interlocking mechanism 60a is moved lengthwise of the shaft 23 by a rack and pinion arrangement similar to that shown in Fig. 5 in conjunction with the operation of the interlocking mechanism 60.

The blades I I0 with their associated end pieces III need not be removed during the straight line trimming operation since they do not extend beyond the periphery of the flange I02, and therefore do not interfere with this operation. Also during the cutting of the beveled cutouts the trimming knife I06 need not be removed since it will not interfere with the operation of the knives 99 and H0.

When making the blank with straight sides, trimming of the blank to the desired width is effected by the cooperating knives 98 and I06 as already pointed out. However, when making the bevel cutouts $0 at the outer sides of the flaps, the blank is first trimmed to the desired width before passing between the upper and lower slotting units. For that purpose there is provided at each end of the scoring mechanism a trimming knife II4 which is connected to one end of a collar II 5 splined on the shaft I6 and which overlaps one end of a shearing roller III fixed to the shaft IT. The shearing end of this roller I51, cooperating with the trimming knife H4, is in the plane of the extreme outer cutting edges of the end pieces III so that during the cutting of the bevel cutouts these cutting edges will meet the trimmed edges of the body portion of the blank.

The trimming knife H4 is moved along the shaft I5-according to whether the blank is to be provided with bevel cutouts or straight line edges. For that purpose the combined knife I I4 and the collar H5 are engaged on opposite sides by the interlocking mechanism 60a, so thatthe movement of this mechanism along the shaft I6 causes not only the movement of the lower trimming head IOI, but also causes a corresponding movement of the trimming knife II4.

When making the bevel cutouts 96, the knife I I4 will be in the shearing position shown in Fig. 2 to trim the blanks before they reach the slotting mechanism. When the blank is to be pro vided with straight line sides, the lower trimming head IOI will be in its extreme right hand position shown in Fig. 3, and the knife II4 will be in a corresponding position to the right of the shearing end of the roller II! and in inoperative position for cutting.

In order to vary the length of the slots in one edge of the'blank in respect to those in the opposite edge, the upper slotting heads 20 must be oircumferentially adjusted with respect to the drive or feed mechanism. When the machine is set for cutting non-rectangular slots, the lower slotting and trimming heads must be circumferentlally adjusted in accordance with the circumferential adjustment of the upper slotting and trimming heads to maintain registrable relationship of the die or shearing elements on said heads.

Also, when the machine is so set the upper and lower slotting and trimming heads must be driven in synchronism to maintain this relationship of the die or shearing elements.

For carrying out these operations, there is provided a drive gear I20 driven from the source of power as that which operates the blank feeding mechanism, and fixed to one end of a long sleeve I2I. This sleeve I2I is mounted for anti-frictional rotation around a stud shaft I22 which is rigidly secured at one end to some part of the frame structure I23 of the machine. Normally locked to and embracing the sleeve I2I for rotational movement therewith is an outer sleeve I24 having keyed or otherwise fixed thereto a gear 25 meshing with a gear I26 keyed to the outer end of the upper slotting shaft 2|.

For driving the lower slotting head shaft 23 there is provided an intermediate gear I21 meshing with the gear I25 and mounted for antiirictional rotation on a stud shaft I28 which is secured to a bracket I30 supported on the frame structure I23. This gear I21 meshes with a gear I3I keyed to the outer end of the lower slot ting head shaft 23 so that said shaft is driven in synchronism with the upper shaft 2I.

For circumferentially adjusting the two sham" ts 2I and 23 in unison without interfering with the continuous drive and rotation thereof, the gears I25, I26, I21 and I3I between the two shafts have helical gear teeth, and one of said gears such as the helical gear I25 is axially movable with respect to the other gears. For effecting this axial movement there is provided a hollow externally threaded screw I34 encircling the stud shaft I22 for rotation thereon and firmly secured at its outer end to the hub of a hand Wheel i35. This screw I34 is held against axial movement between a pair of end thrust bearings I36 and I31 and has a threaded engagement with a nut I38 which is rigidly secured to a sleeve I40 encircling the stud shaft I22 and which has a tubular extension I4I embracing said sleeve I40. This sleeve I40 is splined to the stud shaft I22 for axial movement therealong by a key I42 carried by said sleeve and extending into a keyway I43 in said stud shaft. The axial movement of the sleeve I40 is transmitted to the sleeves I 2| and I 24 through a double thrust bearing I44.

When the machine is running the hand wheel I35 is at rest. The rotation of the hand wheel I35 causes a corresponding rotation of the screw i3. This causes the axial movement of the nut I38 outwardly from the position shown in Fig. 12 and the corresponding axial movement of the gears I20 and I25 through the two interlocked sleeves HI and I24. the gear I20 and the driving gear (not shown) meshing therewith are straight toothed gears, the axial movement of the gear I20 does not cause any relative rotation of these gears, but as the gear I25 and the other gears meshing therewith are helical, the endwise movement 01' this gear I25 causes rotation of both shafts 2| and 23 in unison with respect to the drive gear I20 without interfering with the rotation of said shafts.

In order to prevent the accidental rotation of the screw I34 resulting from vibration or other causes, the nut I38 is split and held tightly around said screw by a stud I39 passing through the split portion of said nut.

The gear I25 is wider than the gears I26 and I2I meshing therewith so as to maintain said gears I26 and I2! in full intermeshed relationship with the gear I25 within the range of movement of said latter gear.

In order that the drive gear I20 and its intermeshing driving gear (not shown) be maintained in full intermeshing relationship within the range of axial movement of said drive gear, one of said gears, as for instance the driving gear (not shown), is made the wider gear.

The extent of rotation of the hand wheel I85 may be observed 'by a sleeve I65 connected 'at one end to the hub of said wheel for rotation therewith, and having its other end encircling the nut I66 and indicatively cooperating with a series of calibrations on the periphery of said nut.

Easily disconnectable means are provided which permit or prevent the free rotation 01' the two slotting head shafts 2I and 26 with respect to the drive while the machine is at rest., For that purpose the outer end 01' the sleeve I24 has a radially outwardly extending flange I46 provided with an annular T-groove I61 for the reception of a series oi clamping bolts I46 and having flxed thereto a hand wheel I50 for rotating said sleeve.

The outer end of the inner sleeve I2I is provided with an outwardly extending flange II having a pair of radially extending peripheral slots I52 for the reception of the bolts I48 and having an. end plate I53 secured to said flange and provided with apertures for said bolts, the mouths oi these apertures being enlarged to receive the nuts I55 of the bolts I48. The end plate I 53 and the flange I5I form an annular recess for the reception therein of the outer peripheral portion of the double end thrust bearing I, while the inner peripheral portion of said bearing is held between the inner end of the tubular extension I of the nut I99 and a flange at the inner end of the sleeve I40.

When the clamping bolts I48 are loosened, the sleeve I24 is free to rotate with respect to the sleeve I 2| without disturbing the drive gear. In this condition the hand wheel I50 may be turned to rotate the gear I25 and thereby correspondingly adjust the two slotting shafts 2I and 26 in unison and approximately in the proper circumferential relationship with respect to the drive gear I20. When this approximate adjustment has been made, the clamping bolts I08 are tightened in position, and the flne adjustment of the two shafts 2I and 23 effected while the machine is running through the operation of the hand wheel I65 as already set forth.

The means for adjusting the gears between the drive gear I20 and the upper slotting head shaft 2i for backlash or lost motion, includes a comparatively thin helical backlash adjusting gear I56 seated in a recess formed at one end of the gear I26 and meshing with the gear I25. This gear I56 matches the helical gear I26 and is connected thereto by a series of screw studs I58 to form a gear unit'therewith.

In order to permit circumferential adjustment of the gear I56 with respect to the gear I26 to take up backlash between said latter gear and the gear I 25, the studs I58 pass through circumferentially elongated slots I 59 in said gear I56 and are threaded into said gear, I26. This circumferential adjustment is effected through a stud I60 having a cylindrical shank I6I extend ing in the correspondingly shaped hole in the gear I26 for rotation therein. This stud I60 has a cylindrical boss I62 which is eccentric to the shank I6I and which has a close rotary flt in a radially elongated slot I63 formed in the gear I56. The stud I60 is held against outward axial 1 displacement by a button I64 connected to one end of the shank I H and terminates at its outer end in a head I65 shaped to receive a suitable turning tool.

Brake means are provided for holding the shaft 2I against rotation during backlash adjustment. For that purpose the gear I26 is provided with a cylindrical brake flange I61 having a suitable brake lining I68 thereon. Encircling this brake flange I61 is a brake band I69 spliton one side and. formed on said side with a pair of spaced lugs I interconnected by a screw stud "I for clamping said brake band tightly around said brake flange. In order to hold the brake band I69 against rotation during backlash adjustment, the opposite side oi. the brake band I69 is provided with a radially extending arm I12 terminating at its outer end in a slot I19. Extending through this slot I16 is a stud I16 which is threaded in a bracket I fixed to the end of a stationary sleeve I16 iorming part of the bearing for the shaft 2I.

To permit easy mounting or removal of the brake band I69 said band is made of two separate complemental pieces held together by a bolt I11. By this construction, the two halves of the brake band I69 may be moved radially into or out of position.

For effecting backlash adjustment of the gears between the drive gear I and the lower slotting head shaft 29, the helical gear I 31 has a recess receiving a comparatively thin backlash adjusting helical gear I8I which matches said gear Ill and which is connected thereto by screw studs I82 to form a gear unit therewith. This-gear I6I meshes with the gear I21 and is circumferentially adjusted with respect to the gear I9I by an eccentric stud I83 similar to the stud I60 and operating in a similar manner. The screw studs I82 passingthrough circumferentially elongated slots in the gear I8I, permit limited rotary movement of said gear with respect to the gear I6I.

The gear I9I serves to eiiect backlash adjustment between the gear I3I and the gear I21. For efl'ecting backlash between the gear I21 and the gear I there is provided a thin helical gear I85 matching the gear I21 and connected thereto by screw studs I86 to form a gear unit therewith. This gear I95 meshes with the gears I 8i and I25 and is circumferentially adjusted with respect to the gear I21 by means of the stud I81 having a cylindrical body I88 extending in a' corresponding cylindrical hole in the gear I21 and a shank I89 at one end which is eccentric with respect to said body I88 and which extends through a radially elongated slot I90 in the gear I85. The other end of the stud I91 is shaped to receive a suitable turning tool.

In order to permit limited rotary movement of the gear I95 with respect to the gear I21, the holes I9I in the gear I21 through which the screw studs I86 pass are circumferentially elongated.

The two backlash adjusting gears I8I and I85 are arranged so that the gear I8I meshes with one end of the gear I21 while the gear I85 meshes with the opposite end portion of the gear I3I.

The braking of the shaft 23 during backlash adjustments is effected in a manner similar to that of the shaft 2| through a brake flange I93 and a brake band I94 cooperating therewith and held against rotation by the stud I95 fixed to the arm I96.

Before making backlash adjustments the two shafts 2| and 23 must be set into their accurate die registrable relationship. The brake bands I69 and I94 are then mounted and tightened on their respective brake flanges I61 and I93 to hold the shafts 2i and 23 against rotation in said die registrable position. The screw studs I 58, I82 and I86 ofithe backlash adjusting gears I58, I8I and I respectively, are loosened, said gears rotated through the operation of their respective ecceni I8I in a clockwise direction. Once the backlash 2O adjustment has been made, it does not have to be repeated except to take up backlash formed by the wearing out of gears, or by the loosening or shifting of the backlash adjusting gears through incessant use or vibrations.

The brakes serve not only to effect the initial backlash adjustment of the two shafts 2| and 23, but also serve to maintain suflicient friction against direction of rotation while the machine is running, to counteract any backlash that may subsequently develop.

In order that the operator may determine the extent of the rotation of the two shafts 2| and 23 with respect to the drive, the backlash adjusting gears I56 and I8I may carry, respectively, flanges I91 and I88 each having a groove in which a calibrated tape may be mounted. A pointer on some stationary part of the machine may terminate adjacent to each of said tapes.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:-

1. A machine for cutting slots in the opposite edges of a box blank, includinga pair of coacting rotary slotting heads, one having means for interchangeably and detachably mounting thereon two male slotting dies of different cutting outlines, and the other having a female slotting groove adapted to cooperate with one of said male dies to form a slot with parallel sides, and means on said latter slotting head for supporting a female die for registry with the other of said male dies to form a slot with an inclined portion.

2. A machine for cutting slots in the opposite edges of a box blank, including a pair of coacting rotary slotting heads, one having a circumferential cutting groove and a female slotting die axially spaced from said groove and provided with a substantially bevel shaped cutting outline on one end to form a slot having an oblique base, theother slotting head having means for detachably mounting a male slotting die thereon to cooperate with either said cutting groove or said female die.

3. A machine for cutting slots in the opposite edges of a box blank, including a rotary slotting head having means for interchangeably mounting thereon two male slotting dies, one having a rectangular cutting outline, and the other having a' non-rectangular cutting outline at one end, and a second rotary slotting -head coacting with said first slotting head and having a circumferential cutting groove for cooperating with said rectangularly outlined slotting die, and an arcuate die recess member axially spaced from said cutting groove and provided with a cutting outline at one end extending less than 360 and corresponding to the other slotting die, said slotting heads being relatively movable axially to bring either said groove or said die recess member into slotting relationship with the first mentioned slotting head.

4. A machine for making cuts in the opposite edges of a box blank, including a disk-like rotary member, means for interchangeably and detachably mounting on said member two knives, one having a circular cutting edge extendingin a plane at right angles to the axis of rotation of said member, and the other having a cutting edge extending obliquely with respect to said plane, and a second disk-like rotary member having means adapted to cooperate with either one of said knives for shearing operations.

5. A machine for trimming the sides of a box blank, including a disk-like rotary head having a pair of axially spaced shearing members pro-. vided with cutting edges of diiferent configurations, and a second disk-like rotary head having means for detachably mounting aknife thereon to cooperate with either one of said members.

6. A machine for trimming the edges of an advancing box blank, including a disk-like rotary head having a pair of axially spaced shearing members, one having a circular cutting edge in a plane at right angles to the axis of rotation of said head, the other having a cutting edge a portion of which is parallel to said plane and an end portion of which extends obliquely with respect to said plane, and a second disk-like rotary head coacting with said first rotary head and having means for detachably mounting knives adapted to cooperate with one of said members to trim said blank either in a straight line or in an angular line.

'7. A machine for cutting slots in the opposite edges of a box blank, including a rotary axially movable slotting head having a pair of axially spaced annular peripheral grooves one presenting cutting edges and the other non-cutting edges, a second rotary slotting head coacting with said first slotting head and having a cutting member coacting with the first mentioned ofsaid grooves to cut the slots in said blank, a rotary axially movable scoring element, and means extending in the other groove and held against axial movement in respect to the scoring element whereby axial adjustment of the first slotting head and said scoring member may be efiected in unison.

8. A machine for cutting slots in the opposite edges of a box blank, including a pair of coacting rotary slotting heads, one being axially adjustable and having a pair of axially spaced female dies of different outlines, and ."ne other having means for mounting a male punchlnfl. die thereon to cooperate with one of .said female dies,

an axially adjustable rotary scoring member hav-= ing a pair of axially spaced scoring blades extending respectively in alinement with said female dies, and means interlocking said scorlrig member and said first axially adjustable slotting head whereby the axial adiustment of said scoring member and said latter slotting head may be effected in unison.

9. A machine for cutting slots in the opposite edges of a box blank, including a rotary slotting head having a pair of axially spaced female dies, a second rotary slotting head having means for mounting thereon a male punching die adapted to cooperate with one of said female dies, a rotary scoring member having a pair of axially spaced scoring blades extending respectively in alinement with said female dies, 9. platen roller adapted to cooperate with one of saidscoring blades, and means for axially adjusting said platen roller and said scoring member relatively to bring said platen roller in cooperative relationship with either one of said scoring blades.

10. A machine for cutting a slot in the edge of a box blank, including a pair of rotary coacting shearing heads having respectively an arcuate female slotting die of less than 360, and an arcuate male slotting die cooperating with said female die and also less than 360, 2. drive for said heads, and means for circumferentially adjusting said heads simultaneously and in unison in respectto the drive while the machine is running to vary the length of the slot inwardly from the edge of the blank.

11. A machine for cutting slot in the edge of a box blank, including a pair of rotary coacting shearing heads having respectively an arcuate female slotting die of less than 360, and an arcuate male slotting die cooperating with said female die and also less than 360, a drive for said heads, a rotary hand wheel, and means operable upon rotation of said hand wheel for circumferentially adjusting said heads simultaneously and in unison while the machine is running to vary the length of the slot inwardly from the edge of the blank.

12. A machine for cutting slots in the opposite edges of a box blank, including a pair of coacting rotary heads, means on said heads for making angular cuts on said blank, a drive for said rotary heads, an adjustment control member, and means operable upon operation of said control member for circumferentially adjusting said heads simultaneously and in unison while the machine is running to vary the length of the slots inwardly from the edges of the blank without varying the circumferential cooperating relationship of said heads.

13. A machine for cutting the opposite edges of a box blank, including a rotary head having means for mounting thereon one of two shearing members having cutting edges of different configurations, a second rotary head having a pair of shearing members with cutting 'edges correspond ing respectively to the cutting edges of said first mentioned shearing members, and adapted to cooperate respectively with said latter members for shearing operations, a drive for said rotary heads, and means for circumferentially adjusting said heads simultaneously and in unison with respect to said drive while the machineis running to vary the lengths of the cuts in said box blank without varying the cooperating circumferential relationship of said rotary heads.

14. A machine for slotting box blanks, including a pair of rotary coacting slotting heads having respectively an arcuate female slotting die of less than 360, and an arcuate male slotting die operating with said female die and also less than 360, a drive for said slotting heads, and means for circumferentially adjusting said slotting heads simultaneously in opposite directions and in unison in respect to the drive while the machine is running to vary the position of the slots in respect to the edge of the blank while keeping the slotting elements in registry.

15. A machine for slotting box blanks, including a pair of parallel shafts, a pair of slotting heads mounted respectively on said shafts and having respectively an arcuate female slotting die of less than 360, and an arcuate male slotting die cooperating with said female die andalso less than 360, a drive for said shafts, a transmission between said drive and said shafts and including a pair of intermeshing helical gears, and means for moving one of said helical gears axially to effect the circumferential adjustment of said slot ting heads simultaneously and in unison with respect to the drive while the machine is running.

16. A machine for cutting'slots in the opposite edges of a box blank, including a pair of meeting slotting heads having respectively'an arcuate male slotting die of less than 360, and an arcuate male slotting die cooperating with said female die and also less than 360, a drive for said heads, manually operable means for rotatably adjusting said slotting heads simultaneously and in unison in respect to said drive while the machine is running to vary the lengths of the slots, and readily disconnectable means for preventing or permitting free rotation of said slotting heads in unison while the machine is'at rest.

17. A machine for slotting box blanks, including a pair of coacting rotary slotting heads, a' drive for said heads, a gear train between said drive and said slotting headsfor drivingsaid slotting heads in unison, means for' taking up the backlash between said drive and said slotting heads to maintain the same circumferential relationship of the slotting heads when operating as when at rest, and a frictional brake yieldingly' resisting rotation of said slotting heads and holding them in predetermined circumferential relationship while backlash adjustment is being effected.

18. A machine for slotting box blanks including a pair of parallel shafts, a first helical gear on one of said shafts, a second helical gear on the other of said shafts, a pair of slotting heads mounted respectively on said shafts and having respectively an arcuate female slotting die less than 360, and an arcuate male slotting die cooperating with said female die, and also less than 360, a drive shaft between said first mentioned shafts, a third helical gear mounted for rotation with said drive shaft and meshing with said first mentioned helical gear, a fourth idler helical gear between said second and said third helical gear, and means for moving said third helical gears axially to effect the circumferential adjustment of said slotting'heads simultaneously and in unison with respect to said drive shaft while the machine is running.

19. A machine for slotting box blanks including a pair of parallel shafts, a pair of slotting heads mounted respectively on said shafts, a drive for said shafts, a transmission between said drive and said shafts and including a train, of intermeshing helical gears, one being connected to said drive shaft, a backlash adjusting gear contiguous with one of said helical gears and rotatable therewith, and means for moving the helical gear on said drive shaft axially to effect the circumferential adjustment of said slotting heads simultaneously and in unison with respect to said drive, while the machine is running.

20. A machine for slotting box blanks including a pair of parallel shafts, a pair of slotting heads mounted respectively on said shafts, a drive for said shafts, a transmission between said drive and said shafts including a train of intermeshing helical gears one being connected to said drive shaft, a comparatively thin backlash adjusting gear contiguous with one of said helical gears and rotatably mounted therewith, an eccentric stud for rotatably moving said backlash gear with respect to said last mentioned helical gear, and u second rotary slotting head coacting with said first slotting head and having a cutting member coacting with one of said die members to cut the slots in said blank, a rotary axially movable sooring element, and means extending in said groove and held against axial movement in respect to the scoring element whereby axial adjustment oi the first slotting head and said scoring member may be elected in unison.

KARL 8136. 

